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MIA LJ

For our first blog of the year we caught up with rising up and comer Mia LJ. Fresh off the back of her newly released single 'These Are The Years' we were keen to find out more about this new talent and what the future holds for her art.

Audiolove: Congratulations on the release of your new single!

A : Thank you so much!

Audiolove: For those who do not yet know much about you, tell us a little bit about Mia LJ?

A : For those who are not familiar with me and my music - I just turned 18 years old. I've been playing music since I was five years old; beginning with guitar and moving onto piano, bass, drums, cuatro, ukulele, singing and songwriting (in no specific order). I am self-taught and write soul infused indie rock music. However, I really love and listen to a wide array of music and genres.

Audiolove: What was the inspiration behind your new single?

A : I actually wrote the new single when I was thirteen or fourteen years old. This is when I first began pursuing music professionally. When writing music, everything usually comes very naturally. First, I get an idea for an instrumental arrangement. It's actually kind of odd because these sounds will just pop into my head and it will be a full arrangement including guitar, bass, drums, vocal melody, etc. Lyrics flow as I expand on the instrumental idea. With "These are the Years" (single), I remember being in the car and a sort of fast-paced / upbeat lyric flow popped into my head. I immediately started writing (using the notes app on a cell phone). At that point in my life, I was very green to the industry so I felt so intensely motivated and driven to achieve the goals I'd set. The lyrics touch a lot on staying grounded as everything I dreamed of came to fruition and I continued working towards playing larger shows, traveling, and the other duties that come along with this career.

Audiolove: How would you describe your music to somebody who has not yet heard any of your material?

A : It's changed so much since "These are the Years." Yet, I've maintained that real, raw instrument foundation. Lyrics have matured a lot and touch on very different experiences. The vibe to the music is a mixture of soulful vocals with a bit of a rock and roll tone and indie sounding chord progressions + beats.

Audiolove: New York City is renowned for being a melting pot of immense musical talent and this must have left an indelible mark on your style of music; who have been your major musical influences that have shaped your sound?

A : Yes, I've met so many amazing artists and bands from NY as well as acts who are based outside of my region and hit the state for events. Some of my biggest musical influences have been Jimi Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz, Twenty One Pilots, Young the Giant, Paramore, The 1975 and Coldplay.

Audiolove: What can we expect from your upcoming debut EP and when will this be released?

A : I will be releasing my debut EP on March 29th of this Spring 2016. I am beyond excited to release all the new material. I created a partnership offer and signed with an amazing producer named Anthony Tansosch back in October of 2015. We've been banging out tracks ever since. The new songs have such a groovy, impactful feel instrumentally. The lyrics are much more personal. I felt like I'd lost that catchy writing feel for a while, but it's definitely back and better!